5 Crucial Takeaways From The ASU Vs NAU Rivalry: What The 2025 Season Opener Tells Us About Arizona Football
Contents
The Lopsided History: A Look at the ASU vs NAU Series Record
The history of the ASU vs NAU rivalry is one of overwhelming dominance by the Arizona State Sun Devils, a pattern that continued with the most recent football result. The two programs have a storied past dating back to the early 20th century, but the gap in resources and conference affiliation (FBS vs. FCS) has made the matchup a significant challenge for the Lumberjacks.- All-Time Football Series: Arizona State holds a commanding lead in the all-time football series, which has been contested 27 times since 1915.
- Recent Dominance: The Sun Devils have consistently won the most recent matchups, with the Lumberjacks struggling to find a win against their in-state rival in decades.
- The 2025 Opener: The most recent game, the 2025 season opener, saw ASU defeat NAU with a final score of 38-19. While a victory for the Sun Devils, the score was closer than many expected for a matchup featuring a Big 12 team against a Big Sky Conference squad.
Five Crucial Takeaways From the 2025 Football Season Opener
The August 30, 2025, football game at Mountain America Stadium was a pivotal moment for both programs, offering a glimpse into the strengths and weaknesses of each team heading into their respective conference schedules.1. ASU’s Win Was ‘Ugly’ and Penalty-Plagued
Despite the 38-19 final score, the narrative surrounding ASU’s victory was focused on its sloppy execution. Multiple reports described the game as "ugly" and "penalty-plagued" for the Sun Devils. This lack of discipline is a major concern for Head Coach Kenny Dillingham as the team transitions into the highly competitive Big 12 Conference. The team struggled with self-inflicted wounds, a sign that the talent gap alone was not enough to guarantee a clean performance against a motivated NAU squad.2. The Raleek Brown Redemption Arc is Underway
A key highlight for the Sun Devils was the performance of redshirt junior running back Raleek Brown. Brown, a highly touted player, managed to redeem himself with a six-yard touchdown run, marking ASU's first score of the 2025 season. His ability to hurdle defenders and find the end zone was a crucial bright spot in an otherwise uninspiring offensive outing, demonstrating the individual talent that makes ASU an FBS program.3. NAU’s Defense Showed FCS Grit
The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, led by Head Coach Brian Wright, came into the game as the highest-ranked FCS opponent ASU had faced in recent history. Despite the size and talent disadvantage, the Lumberjacks' defense demonstrated significant grit. They went toe-to-toe with the Sun Devils for stretches, preventing a total blowout and forcing ASU to earn its points. The game was a testament to the coaching staff's preparation and the players' determination to represent the Big Sky Conference well against a former Pac-12 (now Big 12) foe.4. Stadium Showcase: Mountain America vs. Walkup Skydome
The physical settings of the rivalry also played a role. The game was held at ASU’s newly renamed Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, a massive venue with a capacity of 75,000. This contrasts sharply with NAU's home, the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff, an iconic indoor multipurpose stadium known for its high-altitude setting. The sheer scale of the FBS stadium provides a massive recruiting and revenue advantage for the Sun Devils, a factor that continuously widens the gap between the two programs. The experience of playing in a large FBS stadium is invaluable for the Lumberjacks, despite the final score.5. Beyond Football: The Men's Basketball Rivalry
While football captures the headlines, the rivalry extends significantly into basketball. The men's basketball series is also dominated by the Sun Devils. Arizona State holds an 80-59 all-time record against the Lumberjacks, with Coach Bobby Hurley maintaining a perfect record against NAU during his tenure. The basketball rivalry is often played at the Mountain America Stadium complex or Mullett Arena, and a future matchup is already scheduled for December 10, 2025, ensuring the in-state battle continues on the hardwood.Topical Authority: Key Entities and Rivalry Dynamics
The ASU vs NAU matchup is more than just a football or basketball game; it’s a reflection of Arizona’s academic and athletic landscape. The two universities, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University, are often compared by prospective students, creating a deeper, non-athletic layer to the rivalry.Coaching and Program Trajectories
The 2025 game highlighted the contrasting paths of the two head coaches. * Kenny Dillingham (ASU): As an ASU alumnus, Dillingham is tasked with revitalizing the Sun Devils program and establishing them as a perennial contender in the Big 12. His focus is on maximizing the talent gap and eliminating the costly penalties that plagued the 2025 opener. * Brian Wright (NAU): Wright, in his second year as the Lumberjacks’ head coach, is focused on building a competitive FCS program within the Big Sky Conference. His success is measured by how well his team, which plays its home games in the unique environment of the Walkup Skydome, competes against powerhouses like ASU, using the game as a major recruiting tool. The rivalry also serves as a measuring stick against the state's other major program, the University of Arizona. While the "Territorial Cup" against the Wildcats remains ASU's primary rivalry, the annual contest with the Lumberjacks is an important tradition that kicks off the season and cements the in-state pecking order. The continued dominance of the Sun Devils in both football and basketball series ensures that, for now, Tempe maintains its position at the top of the Arizona college sports hierarchy.Detail Author:
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